Vacation

Kate landed softly on the ground, remaining still for a moment. She let out a deep sigh, frustration evident in her voice. "I was planning to use all the Archives on him, but…" She stopped mid-sentence and sighed again. "I guess it can't be helped," she thought.

Suddenly, a magical screen appeared before her. "Since you finished the World Task, you will be awarded," Kate read aloud. Three cards materialized in front of her, each one glowing with a unique energy. The first card read Destruction Element, the second Transformation Element, and the third Creation Element. Kate's eyes widened in surprise. "This is just like the Divinity Element I got from the Demon Slayer World," she thought.

She pondered her options for a moment before deciding. "I pick the Transformation Element," Kate declared. The other two cards burst into flames, vanishing into nothingness, while the chosen card transformed into a teal-colored light and entered her forehead, merging with her Divine Knowledge.

Before she could even process the new power, another screen appeared. "Now, what buff will you choose to stay with you?" Kate read. Without hesitation, she responded, "I'll choose to double my energy capacity!"

The screen acknowledged her choice, and a final message appeared: "You've chosen your buff." Kate felt the surge of energy within her, her capacity expanding, and a satisfied smile formed on her lips. "This will come in handy," she thought as the screens faded away, leaving her alone in the quiet, still night.

Kate lay on the ground, eyes fixed on the beautiful night sky. "Is this the Tong Xuan Realm?" she wondered aloud. Memories of her fight with the Trinity Seven surfaced, a faint smile playing on her lips. "That battle was exhilarating. It felt like I'd only used about 25% of my overall energy, thanks to tapping into other sources," she thought.

Her musings were interrupted when a screen popped up before her. "Energy Stat is a new setting. You can disable this option, but the Energy Stat will generalize your overall energy," it stated. Kate read it aloud with mild curiosity. "So, it would merge all my energy types mana, qi, and others into a single pool?" She frowned slightly. "No, I don't like that. Control is everything," she said, the faintest smirk forming. "Can I just exchange it instead?" she added playfully, chuckling to herself.

The night was serene, but the mysteries of this new realm and her new power weighed heavily on her mind.

Another screen popped up before her. "Replying to your request, would you like another Universe Transfer?" Kate read, exasperated. "Again? I just got back," she muttered, but a new message quickly followed. "The challenge will be the Burn the Time challenge."

"Burn the Time Challenge? What does that even mean?" she wondered aloud as more text appeared on the screen. "Would you like to accept the Universe Transfer?" it read again.

"A timer? Is that what 'Burn the Time' means? But if this transfer allows me to modify system settings, it could be a rare opportunity," Kate thought. With a deep breath and a glint of determination in her eyes, she pressed accept.

"I'll use this time to rest and figure things out," she told herself as the familiar sensation of her surroundings fracturing around her began. The air cracked like shattered glass, and she plunged into the dark, bottomless abyss, ready for whatever new trials awaited her.

"Did you catch all of these by yourself? There's even a wild boar as well!" the old woman said, surprised. "Stop doing dangerous things all the time! No eight-year-old kid should be hunting a wild boar like that!" she added, shouting at the young boy, her concern clear.

But before anyone could respond, an unnatural stillness swept over them. All four of them felt an unsettling shift in the air, their instincts pricking at the sudden change. They looked up in unison to see a massive crack splintering across the sky, glowing with an otherworldly light.

"Wha-what is that?" the old woman whispered.

"Is that magic?" the man in his mid-forties asked, his voice tense as he took a protective step forward.

"Look!" the old man exclaimed, "Is that a person?"

The young boy squinted at the sky, barely making out a figure plummeting through the rift. The old woman's heart skipped a beat as she barked out an order. "Merlin, catch her!"

"Right!" the old man responded without hesitation. He cast a swift wind spell, propelling himself upward with a rush of air. His robes flared as he ascended, hands outstretched as he reached for the falling figure. With a second, more delicate spell, he slowed their descent and cradled the unconscious Kate as they floated gently to the ground.

The four of them gathered around, eyes filled with confusion and concern as they gazed at the mysterious girl who had fallen from the sky.

The next day, Kate opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar ceiling. "Where am I?" she murmured, disoriented by the new surroundings.

"Grandpa, she's awake!" a boy's voice called out, excitement lacing his words.

An old woman appeared at Kate's bedside, eyes warm but firm. "How do you feel?" she asked as she sat down.

Kate blinked, trying to recall what had happened. "What happened? The only thing I can remember is the sudden burst of power while I was being transferred," she thought, pushing herself up to take in the room. It was simple but cozy, with wooden walls and a faint scent of herbs.

Seeing the old woman, Kate felt a jolt of recognition. I think I've seen her before, she thought. Her expression shifted, cautious but polite. "Ye–yes, I'm all right," she finally said.

The old woman's eyes softened, relieved. "That's good. We saw you falling from a crack in the skies," she explained, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. "I have a few questions for you, and I hope you will cooperate."

Kate met the old woman's gaze, feeling the weight of the situation. "I'll answer what I can," she said, steadying her nerves.

"My name is Melinda Bowen, and I have three questions for you," the old woman began, her voice steady. "First, who are you? Second, where did you come from? And third, what are you doing here?"

Kate sat up straighter, meeting Melinda's sharp gaze. "I see your questions are understandable, given the situation," Kate responded with calm confidence. "First, my name is Kate Apocalypse. Second, I came from a higher plane. And lastly, I came here for a vacation."

Melinda's eyes narrowed, her expression remaining skeptical. "Looks like you're not planning to answer me honestly," she said, her tone probing for more.

Kate internally acknowledged the old woman's shrewdness. There it is, she doesn't trust me yet. Of course, she would test me, Kate thought. Outwardly, she maintained her composure. "I can only share certain information with the strongest humans here. That is all I can say for now."

"Humans?" Melinda echoed, a hint of confusion creasing her brow.

Suddenly, realization washed over Kate like a wave. Right! This is the Kenja no Mago manga world! she thought, barely able to suppress her excitement. I need to tread carefully.

"They are the strongest humans in this world," the man in his forties confirmed.

"Is that true?" Kate asked, tilting her head slightly.

Melinda glanced at the man before nodding. "Well, I suppose it's not good to be humble at a time like this, considering who we're dealing with. If no one has surpassed us, then yes, we are the strongest humans here."

Kate's eyes gleamed with a hint of acknowledgment. "I see. I am Kate Apocalypse, the Archiver, or as some might call it, the Observer."

Melinda's brows knit in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

Kate took a slow breath, leaning back against the pillow. "I'm a being that exists outside of every universe. Our sole purpose is to record significant events in meticulous detail."

Melinda's expression shifted from confusion to deep contemplation. "I don't really get it, but I can't fully trust you."

"I understand," Kate said evenly. "But know this: the fact that I'm here means that something significant, a great change, is on the horizon."

Merlin, the older man, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I see. So, as an Observer, you're bound by your duty not to interfere, correct?"

"That's not quite right," Kate said with a subtle smile. "We can do as we wish, but we choose to remain passive and simply observe. It is by choice that we refrain from altering the course of events."

"Then let me ask you two questions," Merlin said, his eyes sharp with curiosity. The room felt tense, charged with a silent anticipation.

Kate leaned forward slightly, sensing the weight of the questions. "Since you two are the strongest humans here, I'll answer honestly," she said.

Merlin's gaze didn't waver. "First, what are you planning to do now? And second, what is your goal?"

Kate met his eyes, a smile touching her lips as she broke the silence. "Those are good questions. First, I plan to record the significant events of this world, so I'll need an identity to blend in and keep my true nature hidden. I also plan to treat this as a vacation, a chance to unwind."

Merlin nodded thoughtfully. "And your goal?"

"My goal," Kate said with a glimmer of excitement, "is simply to have fun and experience new, different things."

"I see," the kid piped up, his eyes wide. "You're just an old person who wants to rest."

Kate chuckled, surprising everyone with a light-hearted laugh. "I am an old person, after all. I'm immortal."

The room fell into stunned silence as everyone exchanged glances, processing what she had just said.

"Let's set that aside for now," Kate added, her voice steady. "For now, I should stay with you. Since you're the strongest people here, I can live with you and be monitored at the same time."

Melinda studied Kate for a moment before nodding. "That is a good idea. We'll keep an eye on you."

"But first, we need to give you an identity wait, I haven't even asked your name," Melinda said, her brow lifting in realization.

"My name is Kate Apocalypse," Kate introduced herself with a calm nod.

Melinda blinked, caught off guard. "I see. My apologies for not asking sooner."

"It's okay," Kate replied, a faint smile on her lips.

"Apocalypse, huh..." Merlin mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Should we make her our granddaughter? That way, integrating her into society would be seamless."

Melinda hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But if she causes any trouble, it could impact our reputation."

Kate interjected confidently, "You don't have to worry about that. I'm here on vacation, after all."

Melinda glanced at Merlin, then back at Kate, weighing the decision. "Hmm... what should we do?" she murmured.

"Making her our granddaughter is the simplest solution," Merlin said firmly.

Melinda sighed, relenting. "Very well. For now, you will use 'Walford' as your last name, Kate."

Kate inclined her head gratefully. "I see. Thank you."

"But you will live with me," Melinda added, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Kate raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You don't live here?"

Melinda's eyes twinkled with mischief. "No, I don't. Is that a problem?"

"N-No, I don't mind," Kate replied, sensing that life in this world was going to be as eventful as she'd hoped.

After two months, on a quiet path deep in the forest, Melinda cast a sideways glance at Kate. "It's impressive how quickly you've adapted to life here."

Kate smiled softly. "Yes, maybe it's because life here is simple and enjoyable. I like it."

"That's good," Melinda replied, nodding approvingly. "But I must say, your use of magic is quite different from ours."

"It's because my mana surpasses this world's level," Kate explained with a hint of pride.

Melinda raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is there really such a significant difference?"

"Yes, actually. This world's mana level is quite low compared to others, probably because it's one of the newer realms," Kate said, her tone matter-of-fact.

Melinda sighed. "It's taken me about two months to wrap my head around the concept of the multiverse, its levels, and the varying power scales of each world."

"Don't worry, Grandma," Kate said with a confident smirk. "If anyone descends from a higher plane of existence, I'll take care of it."

Melinda let out a long sigh, a mix of amusement and exasperation. "We already have one problematic grandchild, and now we have you too."

Kate chuckled. "You don't have to worry about me. I'm much more in control than Shin."

"For now, let's see what those two are up to," Melinda said, steering their conversation toward more immediate concerns.

After some time, Melinda and Kate arrived at Merlin's house, finding it empty. They made themselves comfortable, waiting for Merlin and Shin to return. Finally, the door opened, and the two they had been waiting for stepped in.

"Oh, you arrived earlier than I expected," Merlin said with a grin.

"Big Sis Kate, you're here too?" Shin, the eager 8-year-old, beamed.

"Don't want me here?" Kate teased, raising an eyebrow.

"No! I'm happy you're here," Shin said quickly. His face lit up as he added, "But the magic you taught me... why can't I get it to work?"

Kate chuckled softly. "It might be because the mana it requires is of a higher level or simply needs more power than you currently have."

"Oh," Shin murmured, looking a bit dejected.

Kate knelt down to his eye level. "You're still a kid, Shin. Plus, that skill comes from a higher plane, so trying to use it would probably break the rules of this world. But don't be discouraged. Someday, when you're older and stronger, you might be able to learn my skills. So, keep growing stronger, okay?"

A determined smile spread across Shin's face as he clenched his small fists. "I will!" he shouted with newfound energy.

Merlin and Melinda exchanged glances, their eyes twinkling with pride and warmth at the exchange.

After seven years, Merlin's house was bustling with the sounds of celebration. The room was warm with laughter and chatter as everyone gathered around.

"Now, for Shin's 15th birthday—cheers!" Dis announced, raising his cup high.

"Cheers!" everyone echoed, clinking their glasses together.

"In a bit, you'll be heading out into the world," Dis said, looking at Shin with pride.

"But living here is fine. I don't really need to go anywhere," Shin responded, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

"No," Melinda said firmly. "To become an adult, you need to follow the rules of society. It's time for you to experience the world outside."

Dis chimed in, "So, you cleared Merlin-dono's magical test? Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Uncle Dis," Shin replied with a grin.

"Have you decided what you'll do next?" Tom asked, leaning forward with interest.

"I've never left the forest before," Shin admitted. "For now, I'm thinking about exploring the town."

"And after that?" Tom pressed.

"After that?" Shin echoed, unsure.

Siegfried spoke up with a mischievous grin. "You could become a hunter and earn money, open a magic shop, or even get yourself a harem in the capital."

"It's only you who thinks like that," Christina shot back with an eye-roll.

"What did you say?" Siegfried glared at her, annoyed.

"Huh!" Christina replied defiantly, matching his glare.

"You two, enough," Melinda interjected with a sigh, shaking her head at their antics.

"Well, before everyone forgets, Shin has only studied magic. Everything else was handled by Grandpa, so he doesn't really know much outside of magic," Kate said, reaching for more food.

"Merlin, you!" Melinda exclaimed, eyes wide, while the rest of the room fell into stunned silence.

"Whoops! I forgot to teach him common sense!" Merlin admitted with an awkward chuckle, earning groans from everyone except Shin and Kate.

"But still, it's been seven years, hasn't it, since we met?" Dis said, turning his gaze to Kate. "Your appearance hasn't changed a single day."

"Well, she did say she's immortal," Melinda reminded them.

"Is there really something big set to happen in this world?" Dis asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Yes, Uncle. A significant change is coming, and I'm here to record it," Kate replied casually, taking another bite, unfazed by the tension in the room.

Dis's worry deepened. Melinda, noticing his expression, said, "Worrying about something that hasn't happened yet is pointless, especially if there's nothing you can do to change it."

"Indeed," Merlin agreed, his voice steady.

The next day, in a barren land under the vast sky, a circular magic formation shimmered, and everyone stepped out of it.

"Everyone's coming?" Kate asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to see exactly what kind of magic this old blockhead of a grandpa taught you two," Melinda said, her voice laced with irritation. "To already be able to use this kind of Gate magic... Ah, I don't even want to think about it," she added, exasperated.

"What about you, Kate?" Melinda continued, turning her attention to her. "Will you show us some of your magic as well?"

"Should I?" Kate asked, a slight smirk playing at her lips.

"Well, if you want to," Melinda said, though her eyes hinted at curiosity.

"Of course, and make sure it's magic from the higher plane, okay?" Merlin chimed in, unable to hide his excitement.

"Alright, but after Shin," Kate replied.

"Really?" Shin's eyes lit up with excitement. "I haven't seen you use your magic since I was eight!"

"Enough talk. Show us what you've got!" Kate said, giving Shin a playful nudge.

Shin took a deep breath, stepped forward, and began to focus, ready to unleash his spell.

"Looks like he's planning to use strong magic," Kate thought to herself as she instinctively raised a magic barrier in front of her. "Control it properly, Shin. You might dirty my clothes," she warned with a smirk.

"You don't have to worry!" Shin replied confidently before releasing his spell.

A moment later, a massive explosion shook the barren land, the blast creating a gust of wind that whipped dust and debris into the air. Everyone watched in awe and shock at the sheer scale of the magic, everyone except Kate and Merlin, who remained unfazed.

"Merlin, you—YOU!" Melinda shouted, turning to him, her expression shifting from astonishment to frustration. "How could you teach him something so destructive without proper oversight?!"

Merlin chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Oops?"

"So, what do you think of my magic?" Shin paused, noticing the shocked expressions on everyone's faces. Melinda's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned her attention to Merlin, grabbing his collar. "MERLIN! Did you not teach this child RESTRAINT?" she shouted, shaking him slightly. Michel, Uncle Dis, and the two guards exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of awe and worry as they stood apart, observing the scene.

"You did great," Kate said, stepping closer to Shin with a small smile. "Based on this world's power levels, you are quite strong."

"Really?" Shin asked, his expression turning from concern to cautious pride. "But compared to you, I'm still just a kid," he added, surprising everyone with his acknowledgment.

Melinda's eyes darted from Shin to Kate, suspicion flaring. "Shin! Have you seen her use magic?" she demanded.

"Yes," Shin replied honestly, looking between them.

"YOU!" Melinda's voice rose as she rounded on Kate, her gaze fierce. "I told you not to show him! You might give him weird ideas!"

"Wait, Grandma, it was just a simple magic trick!" Kate defended herself, a hint of panic in her voice as she raised her hands.

Melinda leaned in, eyes narrowed. "And what is that simple magic trick, exactly?"

"It's just a trick involving controlling mana for design purposes," Kate explained quickly, hoping to defuse the situation.

Melinda sighed deeply, releasing Merlin and stepping back. "You don't realize the effect you have on others. Shin might try to replicate whatever he saw, even if it's far beyond him."

Shin's eyes lit up with a mixture of determination and admiration. "But Grandma, it was amazing! I only wanted to learn from the best."

Melinda's expression softened, albeit reluctantly. "Just promise me, both of you, no more reckless demonstrations without supervision."

Kate nodded, giving Shin a knowing glance. "Agreed. Only supervised lessons from now on."

"Good," Melinda said, casting one last glance at Merlin. "Now, Merlin, we need to have a long talk about teaching responsibility."

Merlin chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Yes, dear."

"We can't let Shin out into the world just yet," Uncle Dis said, his tone serious, making the air around the group tense. "With this kind of destructive power, conquering a country might be easy for him and with Kate's assistance, the implications could be even greater."

Christina, the knight, nodded with concern. "And he's trained by Sir Michel, too," she added, glancing at Shin, who was still absorbing the weight of the conversation.

"With so much magical destructive power and training by the strongest swordsman, conquering the world isn't out of the question," Siegfried, the mage, commented, his brow furrowed.

"I'm sure every country will go to great lengths just to secure Shin," Christina said, sharing a worried look with the others.

Uncle Dis took a deep breath and turned to Merlin. "Master Merlin, I have a proposal for you."

Merlin's eyes narrowed slightly. "A proposal, Dis?"

"Honestly, Shin-kun's power is just too extraordinary, and he has no idea about the realities and complexities outside this forest," Dis continued. "So here's my suggestion: How about enrolling Shin and if you approve, Kate as well in the Magic Academy in my country? It would provide them both with a structured environment, where they can learn, grow, and understand the world beyond this place."

Melinda, still composed but clearly processing the idea, glanced at Merlin. "That might actually be wise. The academy could teach them social interaction, control, and discipline."

Kate, intrigued, exchanged a look with Shin. "An academy, huh? That might be fun," she said with a small smile.

Shin's eyes lit up at the thought. "An academy? I'd get to meet other mages and learn more about the world?"

Merlin finally nodded, a hint of pride mixed with concern in his expression. "It seems we have no other choice. For the safety of Shin and the world it would be best if he gets exposed to society under controlled conditions."

"Then it's settled," Dis said, his tone softening. "I'll make the arrangements, and both of you will have the opportunity to learn, adapt, and be prepared for whatever comes next."